i 9 ii] THE SPRING WESTERN JOURNEY 281 



subject, yet one carries away ideas of the trend of the work of 

 the great physicists, of the ends they achieve and the means they 

 employ. Wright is inclined to explain matter as velocity ; Simp- 

 son claims to be with J. J. Thomson in stressing the fact that 

 gravity is not explained. 



These lectures have been a real amusement and one would 

 be sorry enough that they should end, were it not for so good 

 a reason. 



I am determined to make some better show of our photo- 

 graphic work on the Southern trip than has yet been accomplished 

 with Ponting as a teacher it should be easy. He is prepared 

 to take any pains to ensure good results, not only with his own 

 work but with that of others showing indeed what a very good 

 chap he is. 



To-day I have been trying a colour screen it is an ex- 

 traordinary addition to one's powers. 



To-morrow Bowers, Simpson, Petty Officer Evans, and I are 

 off to the west. I want to have another look at the Ferrar 

 Glacier, to measure the stakes put out by Wright last year, to 

 bring my sledging impressions up to date (one loses details 

 of technique very easily), and finally to see what we can do with 

 our cameras. I haven't decided how long we shall stay away 

 or precisely where we shall go; such vague arrangements have 

 an attractive side. 



We have had a fine week, but the temperature remains low 

 in the twenties, and to-day has dropped to -35 . I shouldn't 

 wonder if we get a cold snap. 



Sunday, October 1. Returned on Thursday from a remark- 

 ably pleasant and instructive little spring journey, after an ab- 

 sence of thirteen days from September 15. We covered 152 

 geographical miles by sledging (175 statute miles) in 10 march- 

 ing days. It took us 2^ days to reach Butter Point (28 J/2 

 miles geog. ) , carrying a part of the Western Party stores which 

 brought our load to 180 lbs. a man. Everything very comfort- 

 able; double tent great asset. The 16th: a most glorious day 

 till 4 p.m., then cold southerly wind. We captured many frost- 

 bites. Surface only fairly good; a good many heaps of loose 

 snow which brought sledge up standing. There seems a good 

 deal more snow this side of the Strait; query, less wind. 



